January 9, 1922 – December 14, 2014

   Lillian was born on January 9, 1922 in Santa Barbara to Frank and Juanita Stipe, and entered into heaven on December 14, 2014, at Bethany Home in Ripon.  She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Juanita Stipe, brothers Al and Bud, sister Evelyn and brother in-law Bob Wright, and husband Vernon S. Belger.

   At 16 years old, Lillian first met the love of her life, Vernon S. Belger, whom she married on September 14, 1940 in Los Angeles.  Together they had two children.  In 1958, after years of travelling back and forth, the family moved to their almond ranch in Escalon.  Lillian worked the field alongside her husband, was a homemaker and also worked on the candy “Kiss” line at Hershey’s.  She and her husband sold the ranch after retirement and moved into town where she loved spending time with her neighbors, working in the garden and cooking for her family.  She loved to sing and dance, always had a joke to tell and a smile on her face.

   Lillian is survived by her children Vernon R. Belger and Roxanna L. Gonzales-Shatz both of Escalon, her three grandchildren Richard J. Gonzales, Vernon K. Belger and Roxanna “Punkie” Gonzales of Escalon, five great grandchildren Chloe and Elise Gonzales, Constance, Candyce and Legend Belger, her sister Anita Smith, and numerous nephews and nieces.

   The family wishes to thank the staff of Bethany Home for the love and care shown to Lillian over the past 9 years.  

   Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18th, 2014 at Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Graveside services will be private in accordance with her wishes.

   Charitable contributions in Lillian’s name can be made to Escalon Community Ambulance, or Bethany Home in Ripon.